An Irish Airman Forsees His Death

Now I am not a big poetry fan and if you asked me to name more then 5 poets I would probably have some trouble doing so. I do love to read though and you will usually find me with my face buried in biographies especial those of military significance.

Anyway, I thought I would share what I can say is probably my favorite poem. It was written by W.B. Yeats during World War I and is from the point of view of Robert Gregory, an R.A.F. pilot and son of his friend. You might recognize this if you have seen the movie Memphis Belle, which is a true story and based on the crew of the Memphis Belle which was part of the US Army Air Corps and one of the first planes and crew to complete 25 missions during World War II.

I know that I shall meet my fate
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Those that I fight I do not hate,
Those that I guard I do not love;
My county is Kiltartan Cross,
My countrymen Kiltartan's poor,
No likely end could bring them loss
Or leave them happier than before.
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds;
I balanced all, brought all to mind,
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.